From Spark to Stage: Jonathan’s Journey in Theatre and Teaching

Jonathan’s passion for acting didn’t ignite until high school. Surrounded by friends deeply immersed in theatre, he was captivated by their performances. The turning point came when he watched his friends in the high school’s Fiddler on the Roof production. Despite the heavy subject matter, Jonathan saw something magical on stage. “Yeah, that looks like a lot of fun,” he thought, feeling a spark of excitement and curiosity.

 

That summer, Jonathan took a leap of faith and joined a production of Guys and Dolls Jr. at Casa Mañana in Fort Worth, TX. The experience was transformative. He was hooked. The stage became his playground, and he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before.

 

Initially, Jonathan attended Georgia Tech University, pursuing a major in Materials Engineering. However, his heart wasn’t in it. At Georgia Tech, he joined DramaTech, the extracurricular theatre club, where he performed in The Count of Monte Cristo and played Dr. Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors. During this production of Little Shop, Jonathan had a moment of clarity: he wanted to dedicate his life to theatre. With newfound determination, he transferred to Texas Christian University to earn his BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in Musical Theatre.

 

Jonathan’s journey through over 40 productions, primarily musicals, has been marked by dedication and growth. Among all his roles, playing Will Bloom in Big Fish stands out. The character’s complex relationship with his father and the show’s touching moments resonated deeply with Jonathan, making it his favorite role.

 

Now, as an acting teacher, Jonathan finds immense joy in helping kids discover their passions. He cherishes the “Ah Ha!” moments when students grasp new concepts and feel the thrill of performance. Jonathan encourages his students to embrace fun and silliness, especially when new to acting. He believes in providing a broad overview of different techniques and helping each student find the methods that work best for them. His emphasis on thorough script analysis equips his students with a vital tool for their acting toolbox.

 

Jonathan constantly consumes various art forms—movies, TV shows, books, and live theatre to keep his skills sharp. He draws inspiration from these mediums and uses them as examples in his classes.

 

Jonathan’s advice to aspiring actors is twofold: First, keep an open mind and try everything in the theatre field. Whether set design, lighting, or performing in musicals, every skill contributes to a well-rounded theatre professional. Second, celebrate the success of your friends and peers. In a field filled with rejection and disappointment, choosing joy and supporting others fosters a positive and uplifting community.

 

Jonathan’s journey from a curious high school student to a dedicated actor and inspiring teacher is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. Through his story, he hopes to encourage others to take big swings, embrace the fun, and lift each other in the shared joy of theatre.

 

For more information on the theatre program we offer at So What Else click here.